New Zealand rugby player Cameron Suafoa has announced his retirement from the sport at the age of 27 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. The former Maori All Blacks forward, who played for the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific, revealed the news in an emotional video interview shared by the club on Thursday.
Suafoa was first diagnosed with sarcoma in November 2023 and stepped away from rugby in April 2024 for treatment. He underwent major surgery, including the removal of a cancerous tumour from his back, three ribs, and part of his spine. He later returned to play for North Harbour in the National Provincial Championship, but a fresh diagnosis last year confirmed the cancer had spread and was terminal.
“I was told the unfortunate news that my cancer has spread, and it was terminal now,” Suafoa said. “I’ve decided to finish playing rugby officially. I’ll be going through a different type of battle soon. I start having chemo in the coming days.” He expressed deep gratitude for his time with the Blues, saying the club holds a special place in his heart.
Suafoa had previously spoken about the brutal reality of his cancer battle, detailing two back operations and a nine-hour surgery to remove the tumour and stabilise his spine with steel rods and screws. Despite the devastating diagnosis, he remains determined to face the next challenge.
